Back-to-back home runs in spring training games don’t typically make headlines for established stars. But for non-roster invitee Dominic Smith, his recent power display could be transforming a longshot Yankees audition into a legitimate Opening Day roster opportunity.
The 29-year-old first baseman has turned heads in Tampa with consecutive games featuring impressive home runs off former Yankees reliever Michael Tonkin and Cardinals prospect Tink Hence, positioning himself as a potential solution to the team’s Giancarlo Stanton dilemma.
Stanton sidelined with a bilateral tennis elbow, has yet to swing a bat this spring, and recently left camp for personal reasons. With Opening Day just five weeks away and no timetable for his return, Smith’s left-handed power stroke — particularly appealing for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch — has suddenly become far more relevant to the team’s immediate plans.
“He’s here because we know if that lane does open up, we’ve got a quality hitter, quality person that you can add in the mix real easy,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier this month, comments that now appear increasingly prescient.
Stanton’s setback creates Yankees opportunity
The uncertainty surrounding Stanton’s availability has emerged as one of spring training’s most significant storylines for the Yankees. The slugger hasn’t faced live pitching in over a month, and Boone has provided no updates on his condition since his departure from camp earlier this week.
This extended absence creates a potential roster opening that Smith could fill if he continues his strong spring performance. While his non-roster status presents a technical hurdle, Stanton’s placement on the 60-day injured list would create a straightforward path to add Smith to the 40-man roster.
For Smith, who has struggled to recapture the promise of his breakout 2020 season with the Mets (.316 batting average, .993 OPS), the Yankees represent perhaps his best remaining opportunity to establish himself as a valuable major league contributor. After bouncing between organizations in recent seasons, most recently with the Washington Nationals, Smith’s power surge couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment.
Competition remains for potential opening
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Despite Smith’s impressive spring showing, he faces competition for any potential roster spot created by Stanton’s absence. The Yankees’ depth provides several alternative options they’re actively evaluating.
Catching prospect Ben Rice, who also plays first base, could fill a multi-positional role while providing left-handed power. If the Yankees opt to carry three catchers to start the season — potentially keeping J.C. Escarra or Alex Jackson — it could limit Smith’s chances despite his hot bat.
Outfielder Everson Pereira, recovering from Tommy John surgery, represents another possibility. While not projected as part of the starting outfield trio of Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez, Pereira could serve as designated hitter should Stanton remain unavailable.
The team is also considering shifting Judge to DH more frequently to provide additional rest for their franchise cornerstone, which would open center field for Trent Grisham while moving Bellinger to right field.
Defensive versatility key to Smith’s chances
Recognizing that his offensive production alone might not secure a roster spot, Smith has been working to expand his defensive versatility beyond first base this spring.
“I think he definitely factors into the mix,” Boone told Newsday. “The ability to play first. He’s working a little bit in the outfield, so we’ll move him around. He’s obviously a bat with a track record. He’s in good shape and ready to go, so we’ll see what we have.”
Dom Smith lined a home run down the right field line yesterday against the Twins pic.twitter.com/1sze06qAvl
This flexibility could prove crucial for Smith’s chances, particularly as the Yankees seek to maximize roster efficiency with their final few spots. His willingness to work in the outfield demonstrates the type of team-first approach that resonates with Yankees decision-makers.
Career resurrection opportunity
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
Smith’s career arc exemplifies the challenges many talented players face in establishing consistency at the major league level. After being selected 11th overall by the Mets in the 2013 draft, Smith showed flashes of his potential during parts of six seasons in Queens before being non-tendered following the 2022 season.
His abbreviated 2020 campaign remained his career highlight when he posted a .316/.377/.616 slash line with 10 home runs in just 50 games during the pandemic-shortened season. However, he failed to build on that success in subsequent years, leading to his current status as a player seeking to revitalize his career.
The irony isn’t lost on baseball observers that Smith’s best opportunity might come with the Mets’ crosstown rivals, where the Yankees’ championship aspirations and Stanton’s uncertain status have created an unexpected opening for a player with something to prove.
As spring training continues, Smith’s power display has ensured the Yankees will give him every opportunity to earn a roster spot. Whether that translates to an Opening Day assignment depends not only on his continued production but also on Stanton’s recovery timeline.
For now, each home run Smith hits makes the Yankees’ eventual roster decision increasingly difficult — exactly the position any non-roster invitee hopes to create.
